We know that simply through shopping for Fairtrade and other fairly traded products we can help transform the lives
of countless farmers, workers and their families in developing countries.
We know because we have seen it for ourselves.
The pictures below show improvements in water provision through Fairtrade investments
in the coffee farming community of Choche, Ethiopia. We used to visit frequently, and though the project is completed, and remains in care of Rotary International, the benefits to the community continue. The photos in the gallery were taken on our visits there.
Keswick & District Fair Trade Campaign, together with local businesses, have been promoting Fairtrade since 2003. We became a Fairtrade Town in March 2005.
Visit PageIn and around Keswick there are many businesses serving and selling Fairtrade and other fairly traded products. Find where you can buy, stay, drink and source these.
Visit PageYou can promote Fairtrade and other fairly traded products by buying as much as you can. You can also help our campaign by becoming a member or supporter.
Visit PageCoffee is a good example of how conventional trade can be tough for small farmers, like the ones we know in Ethiopia, and also how Fairtrade can help them.
Visit PageConventional trade often works against the interests of small producers, both here and in developing countries, because they are rarely involved in making the rules.
Visit PageConfused? You are not alone – many are! Here we explain how Fairtrade and Fair Trade and similar terms are used and what the different ethical marks mean.
Visit PageSupport Fair Trade Keswick and help make a real difference
We promote Fairtrade, and any other trading system which has at its heart genuine concern for poor and marginalised producers and workers. Below you will find the bottom-line principles by which we work:
Fairtrade does this by taking account of all production costs through extensive consultation and regular review with producer organisations worldwide, and fixing a guaranteed minimum price for each product.
Fairtrade does this by requiring, amongst many other things, that no child under 18 can undertake work which jeopardises his or her schooling, or social, moral or physical development.
Fairtrade does this specifically through the payment of a ‘social premium’, to be invested in business and community development projects, such as new classrooms, clinics and clean water supplies.
Fairtrade does this by encouraging long-term trading relationships, so that producers and their organisations, such as cooperatives, are not trapped in short term arrangements, but are able to plan for the future.
The latest news from Fair Trade Keswick
At the Keswick Agricultural Show a large Fairtrade banana was to beseen walking round in the crowd. It was Anne Baird in the banana suit.She was greeted with smiles from adults and giggles from children and,we trust, a reminder to all to buy Fairtrade bananas......
01 September, 2023At our AGM yesterday the current officers of the Campaign and members of the Committee were re-elected: Chair Anne Davies Treasurer Tom Rennie Secretary Jo Alberti Committee Members: Anne Baird and Bernadette Fagan. I gave a review of local activities which you will know about,......
04 July, 2023The ‘Show The Love’ Climate Coalition exhibition at the Museum has been well visited & is now extended mid April 2023. The Keswick Reminder printed a short article encouraging people to visit and take action. Green Hearts crafted will be taken to Cumbrian MP’s at......
20 March, 2023